Skip to content

Preventing Winter Pests from Entering Your Home

Close-up of a mouse peeking out from a small hole in a concrete wall, illustrating common entry points for pests. Protect your home from unwanted visitors—contact Active Pest Control today!
As the weather gets colder, rodents, spiders, and other pests are drawn indoors, seeking warmth, food, and shelter. Understanding their motives and entry points can help you keep them from entering your home this winter. Taking preventive steps now will save you the hassle of dealing with infestations during the colder months.

Why do Pests Enter Homes in Cold Weather?

During the colder months of autumn and winter, natural food sources for pests become limited, prompting them to seek shelter inside homes. These pests are often drawn to quieter areas of the house, which is why you might hear strange sounds in the attic or basement. Beyond being a nuisance, rodents can spread diseases such as hantavirus and salmonella, cause structural damage through gnawing, and contaminate food with harmful pathogens. As temperatures drop, homes become an ideal refuge, offering warmth, safety, and easy access to food sources.

Which Rodents and Other Pests Might You Find in Your Home?

Rats, mice, and squirrels are typical wintertime pests, but depending on where you live, you might also see cockroaches, spiders, raccoons, possums, or bats looking for a cozy spot indoors. Rodents, in particular, are skilled intruders as mice can fit through openings as small as a pencil’s diameter, and rats can squeeze through any hole that fits their heads. Their climbing abilities allow them to scale pipes, rough walls, and downspouts, so sealing every small gap is crucial to keeping these unwanted guests outside.

How Fast Can Rodents Reproduce

Once inside, even a small number of rodents can lead to a major infestation in no time. Mice and rats reproduce quickly and, with a suitable nesting site, can multiply rapidly. A single pair of rats may lead to more than 1,000 offspring within a year, while female mice can produce up to 10 litters annually, with young reaching maturity in 4-6 weeks. A minor rodent problem can quickly spiral into a much larger issue.

Signs of a Pest Infestation

If you think you may have a pest issue, watch for signs such as droppings, nests, and chew marks, especially in less-visited places like attics, basements, or behind appliances. Scratching in the walls, the pitter-patter of feet, or odd smells from hidden areas could also mean rodents are present. Rodents often cause damage by shredding paper, cardboard, and insulation for nesting, and their chewing can affect wiring and wooden structures, which may compromise your home’s stability. Professional pest control help is recommended as soon as you detect rodent activity.

Winter Pest Prevention Tips for Key Areas in Your Home

As winter approaches, taking proactive steps can help keep pests from invading your home. Here are some essential tips for securing key areas and preventing unwanted guests this season: 
  • Kitchen: Pests are drawn to kitchens for the many food sources available, including crumbs, leftovers, and food left uncovered on counters or in cupboards. Be sure to clean up spills and crumbs, empty the trash daily, and store food in tightly sealed containers to help deter them.
  • Attic: Attics are attractive to rodents because of their warmth and dryness. To keep them out, secure electrical wires, seal entry points by fixing roof damage, and store items in plastic bins rather than cardboard.
  • Garage: To prevent rats, mice, and other pests from entering your garage, seal any gaps that lead to the outside and ensure all house entrances are properly sealed. As with the attic, store items in plastic containers to eliminate food and nesting sources.

Pest Hotspots Outside of Your Home

Pest activity isn’t limited to the inside of your home; the exterior can be a hotspot for pests looking to invade. Here are some key outdoor areas to inspect and protect before pests start seeking shelter this winter: 
  • Garden: Compost is a magnet for pests, so keep it in a container with a secure lid. Additionally, clear any debris or waste from the garden and trim back shrubs or tree branches near the house.
  • Outdoor Bins: Avoid overfilling outdoor bins, as excess waste can attract pests like rats, mice, and flies. Ensure the lids fit tightly to keep pests from entering and breeding in your trash.
  • Air Vents:  Ensure that vent covers are properly installed and intact to prevent rodents and other pests from using them as entry points.
  • Gutters and Downpipes: Regularly clean gutters and downpipes to remove debris that rodents may use for food or to build nests.

What to do if You Suspect an Infestation

When dealing with a potential rodent or pest issue, acting quickly is key to preventing damage and health hazards. Hiring a professional exterminator ensures effective pest control, whereas DIY methods might be less effective in completely eradicating the infestation. Professionals can also identify hidden entry points and provide long-term prevention strategies to keep pests from returning. Contact Active Pest Control, and we’ll perform a professional pest inspectio to protect your home and loved ones.

Preventing Winter Pests from Entering Your Home in Georgia

Serving Your Pest Needs for Over 35 Years Across Georgia

McDonough | Conyers | Lawrenceville | Alpharetta | Marietta | Columbus

Newnan | Locust Grove | Rome | Atlanta | Brunswick | Byron | Augusta | Savannah

$50 OFF Initial Service